Abstract: A storage unit for tracking events associated with an item is disclosed that includes a storage unit, a tracking device, and a processing and/or storage device. The tracking device monitors the presence of an item associated with the storage unit and the temperature of the item at discrete intervals of time. The processing and/or storage device is electrically connected to the tracking device and stores information generated from the tracking device. An automated access system may also be provided that grants access to the storage unit only to authorized users. An external network may also be provided which allows a user to monitor the storage unit including, access to the storage unit, and a temperature of the storage unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that includes attaching a controller to a piece of equipment so that it may be monitored from a remote location. The controller communicates to an apparatus as to the operability and condition of the equipment. This data is stored and available for viewing. The apparatus also alerts appropriate individuals to any problems when detected.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that includes an expandable mechanical structure, and logging devices that are coupled to the mechanical structure and serially networked together. The testing apparatus of the present invention is utilized to accommodate storage units, such as refrigerators, freezers and incubators, of various sizes.

Abstract: Plural testing stations are provided for simultaneously testing plural refrigeration systems and include resistive heaters for applying heat to selected portions of the refrigeration systems and include monitoring and control devices and a data acquisition and control system which are connected to a programmable monitoring and controlling computer system. The monitoring and control devices include temperature sensors attached to portions of refrigeration systems and include control devices for controlling the resistive heaters and the refrigeration systems. As a result, simultaneous testing of a plurality of testing stations is automated. The programmable monitoring and controlling computer system collects measurement data and compares the measurement data to reference data to determine if the refrigeration systems pass or fail the tests.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas measurement and control system and method which comprises a thermal conductivity absolute humidity sensor which measures carbon dioxide during dynamic temperature and humidity changes by isolating the particular sensor response for absolute humidity and temperature, i.e., Vm(D,T) in order to track carbon dioxide concentration.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that includes an expandable mechanical structure, and logging devices that are coupled to the mechanical structure and serially networked together. The testing apparatus of the present invention is utilized to accommodate storage units, such as refrigerators, freezers and incubators, of various sizes.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas measurement and control system and method which comprises a thermal conductivity absolute humidity sensor which measures carbon dioxide during dynamic temperature and humidity changes by isolating the particular sensor response for absolute humidity and temperature, i.e., Vm(D,T) in order to track carbon dioxide concentration.

Abstract: A storage unit for tracking events associated with an item is disclosed that includes a storage unit, a tracking device, and a processing and/or storage device. The tracking device monitors the presence of an item associated with the storage unit and the temperature of the item at discrete intervals of time. The processing and/or storage device is electrically connected to the tracking device and stores information generated from the tracking device. An automated access system may also be provided that grants access to the storage unit only to authorized users. An external network may also be provided which allows a user to monitor the storage unit including, access to the storage unit, and a temperature of the storage unit.

Abstract: A storage unit for tracking events associated with an item is disclosed that includes a storage unit, a tracking device, and a processing and/or storage device. The tracking device monitors the presence of an item associated with the storage unit and the temperature of the item at discrete intervals of time. The processing and/or storage device is electrically connected to the tracking device and stores information generated from the tracking device. An automated access system may also be provided that grants access to the storage unit only to authorized users. An external network may also be provided which allows a user to monitor the storage unit including, access to the storage unit, and a temperature of the storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for mechanical fluid level monitoring device, which are particularly suited for a water jacket of an incubator are disclosed. The present invention provides a mechanical fluid level mechanism for monitoring water jacket levels in an incubator, including a liquid level gauge having a scale, which is mounted on the incubator.

Abstract: A laboratory microplate incubator (10) including a housing (12) having a specially-sized, enclosed incubation chamber (24) therein and a temperature control assembly (14) that uniformly maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range. The temperature control assembly includes a heater (34) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber, a temperature sensor (38) and a controller (36). Multiple incubation chambers can be electrically controlled by the temperature control assembly in a master incubator. Multiple incubation chambers can be stacked to conserve laboratory space. An externally fillable water reservoir is provided inside the chamber.

Abstract: Plural testing stations are provided for simultaneously testing plural refrigeration systems and include resistive heaters for applying heat to selected portions of the refrigeration systems and include monitoring and control devices and a data acquisition and control system which are connected to a programmable monitoring and controlling computer system. The monitoring and control devices include temperature sensors attached to portions of refrigeration systems and include control devices for controlling the resistive heaters and the refrigeration systems. As a result, simultaneous testing of a plurality of testing stations is automated. The programmable monitoring and controlling computer system collects measurement data and compares the measurement data to reference data to determine if the refrigeration systems pass or fail the tests.

Abstract: A laboratory incubator includes a cabinet having four walls, a top wall and lower wall. The cabinet encloses the interior of an incubation chamber which is accessible through a door which is provided on one side wall. In addition, the laboratory incubator has a leveling indicator mounted to the top wall of the cabinet and/or upon an interior shelf located within the incubation chamber of the cabinet. The laboratory incubator also provides a set of adjustable feet mounted to the cabinet which support the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that includes attaching a controller to a piece of equipment so that it may be monitored from a remote location. The controller communicates to an apparatus as to the operability and condition of the equipment. This data is stored and available for viewing. The apparatus also alerts appropriate individuals to any problems when detected.

Abstract: Plural testing stations are provided for simultaneously testing plural refrigeration systems and include resistive heaters for applying heat to selected portions of the refrigeration systems and include monitoring and control devices and a data acquisition and control system which are connected to a programmable monitoring and controlling computer system. The monitoring and control devices include temperature sensors attached to portions of refrigeration systems and include control devices for controlling the resistive heaters and the refrigeration systems. As a result, simultaneous testing of a plurality of testing stations is automated. The programmable monitoring and controlling computer system collects measurement data and compares the measurement data to reference data to determine if the refrigeration systems pass or fail the tests.

Abstract: Plural testing stations are provided for simultaneously testing plural refrigeration systems and include resistive heaters for applying heat to selected portions of the refrigeration systems and include monitoring and control devices and a data acquisition and control system which are connected to a programmable monitoring and controlling computer system. The monitoring and control devices include temperature sensors attached to portions of refrigeration systems and include control devices for controlling the resistive heaters and the refrigeration systems. As a result, simultaneous testing of a plurality of testing stations is automated. The programmable monitoring and controlling computer system collects measurement data and compares the measurement data to reference data to determine if the refrigeration systems pass or fail the tests.

Abstract: A cell culture incubator (10, 72) is provided which includes one or more UV lamps (40, 116) allowing continuous or semi-continuous on-demand incubator sterilization. The incubator (10, 72) includes a thermally insulated cabinet (12, 74) having an internal working chamber (14, 76) and a hingedly mounted door (16, 78). The sterilizing UV lamp (40) may be mounted in a circulating airflow passageway (62) to continuously sterilize air circulating through the working chamber (14). Alternately or in addition thereto, the lamp (116) may be mounted in the door (78) with a reflector (114) for focusing the UV radiation into the working chamber (76). Preferably, short-wave UV lamps are employed.

Abstract: A laboratory incubator (10) having an improved temperature control assembly (14) that more effectively maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range and more accurately controls the rate of heat loss from the laboratory incubators as ambient temperatures rise. The incubator includes a housing (12) having an enclosed incubation chamber (18) therein; a heater (22) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber; a cooling device (24) positioned within the housing for cooling the walls of the housing; and a controller (26) for controlling the operation of the heater and the cooling device to maintain a temperature in the chamber within a set temperature range. The cooling device includes an electrically operated peltier device operable to both cool the chamber and to assist the heater in heating the chamber.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide gas measurement and control system which comprises a thermal conductivity CO.sub.2 sensor and a humidity sensor which produce separate and independent output signals which are compared in a microprocessor, thereby generating a humidity compensated carbon dioxide gas measurement which is accurate to within .+-.0.1%.